The laboratory course is designed with a view to complement the student’s knowledge base built on theoretical fundamentals acquired through the first two semesters. Relex Reliability Studio 2006 represents the new generation in reliability analysis software. Relex can predict the reliability and maintainability of systems, evaluate critical failure modes, model a complete system to analyze reliability and availability metrics, as well as perform a wide array of additional reliability analysis functions. Some of the important modules that students are expected to work on are:

• Fault Tree Analysis
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
• Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System
• Human Factors Risk Analysis
• Life Cycle Cost
• Markov and Semi-Markov Analysis
• System Optimization and Simulation
• Reliability Block Diagram
• Maintainability Prediction
• Reliability Prediction
• Weibull Analysis

Minitab 14, a statistical software package is made use of to appreciate the fundamental concepts of life testing and reliability estimation. Accelerated life testing designs are duly emphasized upon. Quality-related topics such as the basic quality tools and techniques are given exposure to. Design of Experiments using ANOVA is also included. PSPICE software for understanding the inner workings of complex Markov models through simulation-based analogy is touched upon. Once the students acquire sufficient inputs on the usage of the above mentioned software tools/packages, they are encouraged to work on real-life mini projects designed by the course instructor.